The annual Holiday Open House is back this year to give residents a stress-free holiday shopping experience.
Nine stores located along the 7700 and 7800 blocks of Girard Avenue will participate in the event on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each will give at least 10 percent of their proceeds to charities and nonprofits.
The event, organized by Adelaide’s Florists and Decorators, has been around for 40 years, according to Gina Phillips, third-generation owner of Adelaide’s.
The open house originated as an annual celebration for Adelaide’s, which was established in 1936. The event evolved into a Holiday Open House because Adelaide’s relocated from Encinitas to La Jolla at the start of the holiday season in November of 1949.
The charity aspect began last year after Harry Phillips, previous owner of Adelaide’s and Gina Phillips’ father, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“I realized how many people are afflicted with so many different things,” Phillips explained. “I had asked everybody that wanted to participate that if they were going do it, they’d have to donate to a charity of their choice.”
The event will be a nice way to kick off the holidays, Phillips said.
“After we’ve suffered through so many devastating things going on, with landslides in La Jolla and the fires in San Diego, it’s fun to get out and enjoy the stores,” she said.
Adelaide’s and other participating shops will be decked out with holiday-themed items for purchase, offering food, discounts, prizes and book signings. Quartets and other musical entertainers will help shoppers get in the holiday spirit.
“There’s a lot of small businesses that are not parts of big chains, and we all depend on everybody throughout the year, so it’s our way of saying thank you to the community,” Phillips said.
Participating stores will be marked with green and gold balloons. For more information, visit www.adelaidesflowers.com or call the store, (858) 454-0146.